Lauren Kolkmeier
Career Development Specialist
Marian University
Milestones
My road in life took a while to figure out.
Watched Free Willy at age three. Spent the next 15 years convinced I would be a marine biologist.
Moved from Kentucky to South Carolina to go to college as a marine biology major.
Quickly learned this was a hobby and not a career path for me (terrified to get in the ocean).
Transferred to a school back in KY, majored in Psychology with a concentration in Human Resources.
Pursued HR because the security of a job in business meshed with working with people seemed right.
Felt unfulfilled. Wanted a career where I felt like I was making an impact. Looked into higher ed.
Applied to grad school, moved to Indy, started working as a grad asst. in career development.
Figured out that what I'm meant to do is to help others figure out what they are meant to do.
Keep following my journey
Education
High School
Saint Henry District High School
Saint Henry District High School
Career
Career Development Specialist
I discuss and provide opportunities for college students to explore, identify and implement their career aspirations.
Career Roadmap
My work combines:
My work combines:
Education
Writing
Teaching / Mentoring
Day to Day
I spend the majority of my day meeting with students virtually or in person to discuss resumes, cover letters, personal statements, graduate school, internship searches and career exploration. A part of my day is dedicated to scheduling various companies and organizations to come on campus to recruit. I also participate in a couple of committees on campus as well as a Consortium of other Indiana colleges and universities, so I take part in meetings and tasks for those. Every day is different.
Advice for Getting Started
Here's the first step for college students
NETWORK. Get on LinkedIn, contact friends, family, and talk to the people you encounter on a daily basis. Try to gain some professional experience. Consult your college or university's career development office.
Recommended Education
My career is related to what I studied. I'd recommend the path I took:
Hurdles
The Noise I Shed
From Family:
"Why spend the money and do the work to get a graduate degree when your return on investment will be so minimal? What is higher ed and student affairs? Higher education is broken. You should stay in HR, it's more money and more job security."
Challenges I Overcame
LGBT
